Skims Appoints Former Michael Kors Exec to Lead EMEA Expansion

Skims begins a new phase at Emea. Kim Kardashian’s intimate apparel brand has appointed Robin Gendron, an executive with more than 15 years of experience at Michael Kors, as president of the region, which includes Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Gendron will be in charge of Skims’ expansion in the region, starting with the opening of the first company-owned stores in Dubai and London, expected by the middle of next year. In fact, Gendron has previous experience in the territory, having served as president of Emea during his time at Michael Kors, Business of Fashion has reported.

In the coming months, Skims will also enter Switzerland, Turkey and Scotland through the Swiss department store Globus and the Beyman chain in Turkey. According to the company, its debut in Emea is based on “high expectations of rapid growth”.

Skims’ co-founder and CEO, Jens Grede, said that “Robin Gendron’s leadership will be instrumental in navigating complex markets”.

Skims will enter Switzerland, Turkey and Scotland in the coming months

Kim Kardashian’s proposal is in full global expansion. In the United States alone, it will open 16 new stores this year, bringing its network to a total of 22 stores. In Mexico, it plans to open five stores, and overall, Skims plans to enter seven new markets in the coming months.

In 2023, Skims reached a valuation of $4 billion after closing a Series C funding round led by Wellington Management, which raised $270 million and included funding from Greenoaks Capital Partners and its existing partners, D1 Capital Partners and Imaginary Ventures. Kim Kardashian remains the company’s largest shareholder alongside Grede.